The smartphone ban in schools has sparked global attention, and New Zealand is urging the UK to follow its lead. Prime Minister Keir Starmer now faces mounting pressure after New Zealand’s education minister praised the policy’s early success.
Minister Erica Stanford said student focus and engagement have greatly improved. She described the feedback as “overwhelmingly positive” since the phone ban was introduced last year. Teachers report better classroom interaction, more reading, and less cyberbullying.
Stanford explained, “Children are reading more, spending time outside, and engaging with peers.” She added that removing distractions has helped raise academic achievement and boosted overall wellbeing.
Despite this, Starmer’s government has resisted calls for a nationwide ban. Earlier this year, the Tories tried to pass an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Their proposal would have required schools to prohibit phone use during the day. However, the Labour-led government rejected it.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Starmer’s stance. “The prime minister is wrong,” she argued. “Only one in 10 schools is smartphone-free.” She urged ministers to look at the data and reconsider.
Starmer responded by saying that “almost every school” already limits phone use. Yet, his education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has launched a formal review. This investigation will examine how many schools enforce phone bans and whether such measures are effective.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the policy has exceeded expectations. At first, critics feared students would break rules or hide their phones. Now, both students and teachers support the reform. The ruling National Party even plans to expand it by proposing a social media ban for under-16s.
Supporters of the smartphone ban in schools believe it helps students stay focused and reduces anxiety. Campaigners in the UK echo this, calling the distraction “unnecessary in the classroom.”
As public pressure grows, Starmer must weigh New Zealand’s results against current UK practices. With student wellbeing at stake, many believe the time to act is now.
In short, the smartphone ban in schools has transformed New Zealand classrooms—and Britain may be next to follow.
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